Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Arsenal are working on a contract extension for Ben White with the player keen to sign.

Since his transfer from Brighton, Ben White has established himself as an integral part of the Arsenal squad and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has indicated the defender’s future at the club is set to extend with a new deal.

Speaking to the press ahead of Arsenal’s game against Newcastle on Saturday, Arteta was asked about White as he approaches his 100th appearance for the club.

Arteta lauded White for his development and versatility, acknowledging that although his start was challenging due to the transition to a bigger club, White has displayed resilience and adaptability. “I think he’s progressed in the right way in the last few years,” Arteta said.

“He had a little bit of a difficult start, which is normal because it was a big jump with different expectations.

“He started to play as well in certain different positions, but I think he’s shown a lot of determination and courage to overcome that. I think he has a big personality, I think he copes with pressure really well, he has a lot of quality, he gives us different positions and he’s been a key player for us.”

Arsenal has been proactive in securing the core of their team, with new contracts handed out to prominent players like Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, and William Saliba in the past year and a half.

White is seemingly next in line, with Arteta confirming the club’s ongoing efforts, led by technical director Edu, to maintain a “healthy position” for the squad.

Asked about a contract extension for White, Arteta said, “We are always trying to keep the squad in a healthy position in any way, and the club and Edu especially are working on that.

“He’s a really good character in his own way and the way he is, the way he presents himself, but he loves football. The way he trains every day, the way he applies himself is top and we need players like him.”

The player himself has expressed his desire to prolong his tenure at Arsenal, touching on the pride he feels when the club demonstrates such confidence in him.

White, who currently earns around £120,000 weekly, could see a substantial increase with the new contract.

With White’s current deal still having three years remaining, the club’s priority is clear – to finalise the extension and solidify his position at Arsenal.

White has been a fixture in the team’s lineup, featuring in every competition this season and starting in nearly all matches, further proving his worth to Arteta’s setup.